The Truth Over Trend Podcast

"That Guy's Mom": Episode #35: SO MUCH DRAMA

"That Guy's Mom": Episode #35: SO MUCH DRAMA

Ever meet someone who tends to thrive in perpetual drama? How do you handle conflict? Andrea and Pastor Scott Durbin discuss how our perspective tends to follow us and how each of us view situations differently. Andrea shares how this week has been especially difficult given some recent trials. Learn what she does to maintain perspective and how she reminds herself to "Remember Your God." Be blessed!

That Guy's Mom: Episode #34: DEFENSE MECHANISMS

Episode #34: DEFENSE MECHANISMS

Join Andrea and Pastor Scott as they explore the subject of "defense mechanisms" and self-protection.  What lengths do we go to to protect ourselves from perceived threats or pain? How do we venture out into the land of the living in the aftermath of a tragedy or public failure? Is it always best to "put on a happy face" and plow through? Andrea tracks down the origin of one of the very first examples of a human resorting to a defense mechanism as a means of self-preservation. Find out more on this week's episode of "That Guy's Mom."  BE BLESSED, FRIENDS!!

That Guy's Mom: Episode #33: MOVING BEYOND YOUR PAST

That Guy's Mom: Episode #33: MOVING BEYOND YOUR PAST

Too often we become stuck in our past---so much so that our guilt and shame prevent us from living the life God has in store for us. Join "That Guy's Mom", Andrea Maher, and Pastor Scott Durbin as they explore ways to move beyond our past and into a future of hope and fulfillment. God chose harlots, murderers, pagans and a host of others with "colorful pasts" and transformed them all for His purposes. He delights in doing the impossible!

NOTE: Don't forget this Saturday night and Sunday is the "Facing Life's Challenges With Faith" Weekend in Collingswood, NJ. Andrea and her husband, John Maher, will be speaking and admission is free. "Marriage Matters" (Sat night, dinner/childcare included) and Sunday morning is "Decisions Determine Destiny", followed by "Clinging to Faith in the Midst of the Storm". Flier can be downloaded here.  Hope to see you there!

That Guy's Mom: Episode #32: MISSING GRANDPA

That Guy's Mom: Episode #32: MISSING GRANDPA During this week's show Andrea Maher, "That Guy's Mom", talks about Hort Kap's family and some of the amazing ways they've handled this tragedy. Matthew took the life of Hort Kap, a 55-yr-old father of six children, when he made the foolish and irreversible decision to drink and drive on March 7, 2009. As most of you know, on our website www.themattmaherstory.com under "BLOGS" you will find blogs from Matt, Jayson Williams (former NBA All-Star) and The Kap family.  This past week we received another submission from them, this time from Hort Kap's Grandson, D'Mear. Pastor Scott Durbin and Andrea talk about the role alcohol plays in our culture and some of the specific ways it affects males and females differently. As parents, is it better to discuss this with our kids early on or do we wait until they are "mature enough"?  How do we balance believing the best about our children with being realistic about the statistics?

That Guy's Mom: Episode #31: THE CATFISH IN YOUR TANK

That Guy's Mom: Episode #31: THE CATFISH IN YOUR TANK This week's episode begins with a true story about how being chased from one coast to the other kept the traveler alive! Sometimes the things in our lives that cause us the most discomfort and pain are there for our benefit. "That Guy's Mom" shares a humorous story about one of her sons that illustrates some of the obvious distinctions between males and females. Be sure to check out Matt's daily blogs from prison at http://www.themattmaherstory.com For more information about John and Andrea Maher's upcoming "Facing Life's Challenges with Faith" weekend in Collingswood, NJ---go to the website and click on "That Guy's Mom" to download a flier. It can also be downloaded here. Be blessed this week!

That Guy's Mom: Episode #30: DEAD AND GONE

EPISODE #30: DEAD AND GONE

Andrea shares a letter that Matt wrote his parents shortly after the tragic accident that took the life of Hort Kap.  She also reads her letter of response back to Matt and the words she chose to exhort her son. She and Pastor Scott discuss the concept of brokenness and how God ministers to us while we are in our lowest places.

Partial Lyrics for the song Dead and Gone that was playing in Matt's car at the exact moment the accident occurred are listed below.

DEAD AND GONE, by T.I.

Oooooooh...I've been travelin' on this road too long Just trying to find my way back home The old me is dead and gone,dead and gone Oooooooh.....I've been traveling' on this road too long Just trying to find my way back home The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone Cuz I hit you , you sue me, 
I shoot you, get locked up, who me? No more stress,now I'm straight,Now I get it, now I take Time to think, before I make mistakes just for my family's sake

That part of me left yesterday
, the heart of me is strong today

No regrets I'm blessed to say , the old me dead and gone away.

"That Guy's" Mom: Episode #29: PINNED TO HIS PILLOW

"That Guy's" Mom: Episode #29: PINNED TO HIS PILLOW

"Faded ink is better than the best memory." We've all heard that quote before but how often do we take the time to write things down?  Andrea Maher, "That Guy's Mom", shares with us more about letter writing and how we can use this technique to strengthen our relationships and exhort our children and loved ones. Since the time her four boys were small, Andrea regularly pinned personal "mom letters" on her sons' pillows at night. After her oldest son John passed away in 2005, she discovered several "mom letters" that John had saved throughout the years. She reads one of these heartfelt letters and shares how she finds comfort in knowing she shared certain things with him while he was still alive. Andrea shared briefly about letter writing during last week's show and since then we've received several requests for more information about this. Andrea provides helpful pointers for anyone who wishes to begin this practice with their children, grandchildren, spouses, friends, family, etc.  It's never too late to start!

"That Guy's Mom": Episode #28: PAIN in the PRIVILEGE

That Guy's Mom: Episode 28: Pain in the Privilege

We often desire to be used by God, but are we willing to walk the lowly road? Andrea Maher, "That Guy's Mom", shares how Matt's tragic choice to drink and drive has forever changed her perspective and approach to life.  God delights in using our failures to bring about His greater purposes and many times the privilege of bringing glory to God involves some measure of pain.   Be sure to listen this week as Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss the importance of "speaking a dream" into the lives and hearts of our children. Imagine the impact on present and future generations if every parent faithfully prayed that their children would be so full of trust and obedience that they wouldn't miss their call.

"That Guy's" Mom: Episode #27: ONE YEAR LATER

"That Guy's Mom: Episode #27: ONE YEAR LATER"

This episode offers a big announcement concerning the Matt Maher Story.  January 7th marks one year since Matt's first day in prison and Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss all that has transpired since that point.  Amazing things we have seen God do and He continues to remain faithful!  Be sure to visit us on our Facebook Fan Page! Be blessed!

"That Guy's" Mom: Episode #26: Hope for the Holidays

EPISODE #26: Hope for the Holidays

Join Andrea, "That Guy's" mom, as she shares a little bit about what the holidays are like for her this year as only two of her four boys will be around to celebrate. This time of year is always especially difficult for her as she lost her oldest son, John, suddenly and tragically on December 15, 2005.  This Christmas, her youngest son, Matthew, will spend the holidays in prison as he serves a 5 1/2 year sentence in prison for taking the life of Hort Kap in an alcohol related car accident last year.  The emotions are sure to be all over the map but this episode emphasizes keeping the proper perspective.  Andrea and Pastor Scott offer helpful strategies to assist us in keeping our focus where it belongs: on the victory and hope that we have in Christ Jesus.

From all of us here on the Matt Maher Story Team, along with the Maher and Durbin Families:, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and pray that you would sense the love of Christ in a deep and profound way as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.  God continues to be good----all the time---and we trust Him with our hearts, our hurts, our hopes and our future.

Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans for good, and not for evil.  Plans to give you a hope and a future."

That Guy's Mom: Episode #25: The Power Of God's Work

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, there will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14.  As children of God, we are equipped to do His work. The Lord our God is our might and He is all we need to strengthen and guide us. This week's show focuses on the beauty of God being in control in our lives. If we have God, we are interdependent on one another to encourage one another through our battles! Andrea Maher speaks of the people in her life who God has worked through that have uplifted her closer to Him. The Lord our God will go before us with His mighty hand and will intercede. There is nothing that we can't ask God for, He will pour down His everlasting love and give you His strength to rise above any trial or tribulation! "Be Still and Know that I am God" Psalm 46:10.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #24: Setting Ourselves Free

This week's show focuses on the importance of setting ourselves free from our current circumstances. In the midst of the storm, Jesus will give us security and peace in order for our character to develop. It is important to learn how to let God into our lives no matter where we are in our journey. God will take our circumstances and use it for the good of His kingdom. We must set ourselves free and renew our minds from dwelling on our current confinement. "Be Still" and listen for the voice of the Lord and He will captivate your minds and hearts with His perfect peace.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #23: Renewing Our Minds

"Like a wind swept wildfire, anger leaves scorched lives and devastating loss in its wake" (Dr. Stanley). Andrea and Pastor Scott speak of anger and its effects on our daily lives.  Going through life we have triggers that lead us to boiling points. Anger affects all of us at some point and some time. This week's show focuses on the importance of channeling this anger and developing a healthy way to release it. Andrea speaks of how the tongue has the power to give life or destroy life. It is important to process and pray before we react on this anger. Let God channel your anger by renewing your mind, and let Him lead your response in a way that is pleasing to Him!

That Guy's Mom- Episode #22: Busy Isn't Always Better!

"Time served doesn't have to be time lost". Andrea Maher, Matt's mom explains of his productiveness in the midst of his surroundings. This week's show focuses on the busyness that life presents, and how it is so important to "Be Still" and let God lead us to His light.  Andrea Maher and Pastor Scott speak discuss how we live in a society that validates and values busyness. In the midst of life it is easy for the busyness to fill us and lead us away from the true light. Busyness gets in the way of what God has intended for us. The Lord wants our attention so He can do for us what He has planned. When tragedy strikes, it stops life and we need to rethink, and there is no better time to sit and "Be Still".

That Guy's Mom: Episode #21: Emotional Health

Update November 7, 2010: Avalanche (Courtesy of Evie in North Carolina)

Andrea tells about a Matt Maher Story Team member’s brilliant move that resulted in an avalanche of requests for Matt’s DVD. Learn how you can bring this program to your area.

That Guy’s Mom: Episode 21: Emotional Health

Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss ways we can keep our perspective and remain emotionally healthy in the midst of trials and adversity. Before we can help others we need to make sure we are in a healthy place ourselves. Regardless of our specific problem, there are certain principles and practices we should remember as we move forward.

When you go through trials, who do you rely on? Where do you turn? Do we trust that God is big enough to handle whatever we are struggling through no matter what?

For more on Matt's story, visit http://www.themattmaherstory.com

That Guy's Mom: Episode #20: Stretcher Bearers

This Week's Update: Andrea and Scott express their thanks to our listeners.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #20

This episode focuses on how to bear the burdens of those suffering around us. Loneliness in the midst of tragedy is common. Andrea explains the term "Stretcher Bearer" and the significance of carrying others through trials and storms.  She thanks our listeners and the Matt Maher Story Team for a recent breakthrough she experienced in her personal life.  Do you know someone who is struggling?  What can you do to be a stretcher bearer?

That Guy's Mom: Episode #19: GRIEVING WELL

THAT GUY’S MOM Update #20: Mr. Evans, a science teacher from California, found a creative way to use the principles in Matt’s story to guide a video assignment for his middle school students. Find out how you can view a sample and obtain plans for your own classroom.

That Guy’s Mom Episode #20: Grieving Well

During this episode Pastor Scott outlines the five stages of grief and explains typical, healthy responses we experience when we suffer loss of any kind. Andrea talks about her initial thoughts and emotions in the initial days following her oldest son John’s death in 2005. She recounts words a friend spoke to her that served as a life preserver for the weeks and years to come. What is our obligation to those we know who are grieving? Do we only grieve death or are there other circumstances that elicit the same physical and emotional responses? Is there such thing as “grieving well?”

That Guy's Mom: Episode #18: GROWING IN GRIEF

October 18th UPDATE:

Letters from Around the Country

Andrea tells about her visit this weekend with Matt and their conversation about the various letters he is receiving.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #18: GROWING IN GRIEF

Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss the magnitude of emotions that surface when you are faced with a life-altering tragedy. Knocked down after receiving "that call" or "the news", you may feel that continuing on is nearly impossible. So how do you move forward? They reflect on the great benefit of enduring, persevering and pressing on despite the darkness and heaviness that surrounds you. There is hope---God meets us in our pain---and He can bring beauty from ashes.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #17: SURVIVING THE DEATH OF A DREAM

UPDATE 10/11/10: CAPTAINS AND SPECIAL FORCES

Andrea reads selections from an e-mail sent to all of our Captains and Special Forces who are helping to manage the Matt Maher Story Team.  She highlights some of the amazing ways people are reaching out and stepping up in a collaborative effort to help spread this story.

EPISODE #17:  SURVIVING THE DEATH OF A DREAM

Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss disappointment, grief and the death of a dream.  She explains how she navigated through the complex emotions that surfaced recently on John's birthday.  She talked about how as parents we wear the disappointments and pain of our children.  How do we handle the death of a dream?  Are the dreams that we have for our children sometimes linked to our own expectations and hopes?  Are we committed to wanting God's best for them---regardless of the journey involved in getting there?  Pastor Scott highlights the importance of teaching our kids how to manage disappointment.

Episode #16: MANAGING WORRY

UPDATE 10/3/10

Andrea tells about a phone call she received from a complete stranger.  This person --by all accounts, a very unlikely visitor, requested to visit Matt in prison.  Find out more...

Episode #16: MANAGING WORRY

During this episode, Andrea and Scott discuss the common epidemic of worry and practical ways we can manage it.  Andrea traces the first account of worry back to the garden and suggests that perhaps worry resides in our DNA!